Pioneers Swat Yellow Jackets 4-1

MILFORD, CT (February 12) - Peter Ferraro (Pleasantville, NY) and Pierre-Luc O'Brien (Nicolet, QC) both scored a goal and picked up an assist to lead Sacred Heart (12-15-1, 12-5-1 AHA) past a pesky American International Yellow Jacket (3-19-2, 3-13-2 AHA) team to move into sole possession of first place in Atlantic Hockey.

It would be the Yellow Jackets who would open up the scoring, netting only goal of the first period. Freshman Jereme Tendler scored his eighth goal of the season, tipping in a pass from Greg Genovese on a delayed penalty to put AIC up at the 12:42 mark. The Pioneers, despite registering 15 shots on goal in the first period, were unable to solve Yellow Jacket net minder Frank Novello which allowed AIC to take a 1-0 lead into the locker room.

The Pioneers would start a four-goal second period on Garrett Larson's (Rycroft, AB) ninth goal of the season coming on the power play. The play started behind the net with Rocco Molinaro (Dearborn, MI) finding O'Brien in front. O'Brien touched a pass to Larson who sent the puck home for his first power play goal of the season just 4:58 in.

The Pioneers would score the eventual game-winner less than a minute later with the teams skating four a side. Ferraro gathered the puck after a Drew Sanders (Modesto, CA) face off win, and beat Novello for the 2-1 lead. Sacred Heart would then add goals from Chris Connerty (Rayham, MA) and O'Brien before the period was out to give the Pioneers a 4-1 lead heading into the third period.

AIC would have opportunities to cut into the SHU lead in the third period, including an extended five-on-three power play, but Pioneer goalie Jason Smith (St. Lambert, QC) stopped them at every turn to preserve the 4-1 victory. Smith would finish the night with 25 saves picking up the win, while Novello stopped 38 in taking the loss.

The Pioneers return to action on Friday, February 18 when they host the Holy Cross Crusaders at the Milford Ice Pavilion. Game time is 7:00 PM.